Rowena White

Rowena was born on October 23, 1931, in Booneville, AR, to Albert and Ellen Godfrey and was the youngest of three children. Rowena’s name was chosen for her by her brother Clyde, who was reading Ivanhoe when she was born, and wanted to name her for the beautiful blonde heroine in the story.

Rowena had a lifelong love for music, and grew up playing the family organ and singing in the church choir. After high school, she attended Oauchita Baptist College where she was a music major and sang in the choir and with several a Capella groups.

Rowena moved to Houston, TX, in 1951, and worked for the Humble Company (later Exxon) for many years. Throughout her life she shared her beautiful soprano voice with the choirs at the churches she attended, including Willow Meadows Baptist, South Main Baptist and First Presbyterian Church. She directed the children’s choir at Willow Meadows Baptist for several years, and was a long-time volunteer in the music library at First Presbyterian Church. She served her community with numerous volunteer activities, and was a member of the Tuesday Musical Club of Houston.

Rowena earned an Associates Degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Houston in 1987, and spent several years pursuing her passion of creating beautiful homes for her clients. She returned to work at Exxon for a few years and retired in 1998.

In addition to her love of music, Rowena’s passion was her family. She delighted in celebrating every holiday and birthday, making every event a very special occasion. She was a devoted and faithful friend, always known for her kind heart and caring ways. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jackie Lee White, with whom she shared many happy years. She is survived by her daughter, Jan Grafton Stewart, step-daughter Sheri Wood, son-in-law Don Wood, grandson Joshua Lee Wood, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Pat and Bill Hood, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rowena will be intered at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, in Houston, next to her beloved Jack.